All 5 Living US Presidents Reunite in a Rare Moment at Jimmy Carter’s Funeral — Photos That Sparked Reactions ghy

Captured in photos, these living U.S. presidents united to honor Jimmy Carter, a historic moment so rare that some online wondered if the powerful scene was edited.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former vice presidents Mike Pence, Dick Cheney, and Al Gore joined the presidents at the service. Held at the Washington National Cathedral, the ceremony honored Carter’s lifelong commitment to service as the 39th president and a devoted humanitarian.

Presidents Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with first ladies Jill Biden, Melania Trump, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton, attend Jimmy Carter’s state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, 2025

The program featured tributes, musical performances, and eulogies. Biden delivered a heartfelt tribute, focusing on Carter’s enduring “character,” which he described as the foundation of the late president’s legacy. He stressed the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Biden added, “We have an obligation to give hate no safe harbor.” He also highlighted Carter’s commitment to standing against “abuse in power” and his belief in the nation’s potential.

“The very journey of our nation is a walk of sheer faith, to do the work, to be the country we say we are, to be the country we say we want to be,” Biden said, reflecting on Carter’s vision. “Today many think he was from a bygone era, but in reality he saw well into the future.”

A crowd watches Joe Biden’s eulogy at the state funeral for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on January 9, 2025

Biden concluded his eulogy, “I miss him, but I take solace in knowing that he and Rosalynn are reunited again. To the entire Carter family, thank you — and I mean this sincerely — for sharing them both with America and the world. We love you all.”

Joe Biden touches the casket after delivering the eulogy at the State Funeral for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

The reunion of past and current U.S. presidents at Carter’s funeral sparked varied online reactions. Some noted an air of discomfort.

A netizen’s comment on the five living U.S. presidents attending former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral service, posted on January 9, 2025 | Source: Facebook.com/CBSNews

“Is this photo shopped [sic]?” one user asked, seemingly struck by the surreal image of the five presidents together. “This picture is honestly so sad,” another noted.

For some users, the rare gathering was symbolic. “An incredible, Historic, momentary view of past and present power making a personal accounting of what Jimmy Carter was for Humanity that they also are, were …and would never be [sic],” wrote one commenter.

Presidents Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses and other leaders, attend Jimmy Carter’s state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, 2025.

Aside from the five living presidents, Vice Presidents Kamala Harris, Al Gore, and Mike Pence, along with Karen Pence and Doug Emhoff, attend the ceremony

The heartfelt eulogies were also received with praise, with one person describing them as “awesome and heartfelt.” Another reflected on Carter’s life as “a testament to a life well lived” and expressed gratitude for his contributions.

Carter’s legacy as a humanitarian resonated deeply. One supporter emphasized his example of grace and compassion and added hope that others might follow in his footsteps.

After the state funeral, Carter returned to Georgia for the final time on Thursday. He will be laid to rest in his beloved hometown of Plains, next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023. The interment ceremony at their family home will be private.

Carter passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024, surrounded by family. He was 100 years old.

The beloved leader was the longest-lived president in U.S. history. In 2002, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts.

Carter is survived by his four children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy — along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, leaving a legacy cherished by his family and the world.

President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on April 20, 2014 in Plains, Georgia

In a heartfelt tribute, Carter’s son Chip reflected on his father’s profound influence: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

In 2018, Carter, Clinton, Trump, and Obama, along with their spouses, attended the funeral of the 41st President, George H.W. Bush, at the Washington National Cathedral.

Donald and Melania Trump, Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter attend the state funeral of George W. Bush at the National Cathedral on December 5, 2018

Bush passed away at his Houston home on November 30 that year, at the age of 94. George and Laura Bush were also present at the late president’s funeral.

George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush attend George H. W. Bush’s funeral at the National Cathedral on December 5, 2018

King Charles III attends the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral on December 5, 2018

After the funeral, Bush’s remains were flown to Houston and transported by funerary train to his presidential library at Texas A&M University. There, he was laid to rest beside his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, who passed away in April 2018, and their daughter, Robin, who died of leukemia at age 3.